Colorful kiteboarding competition set for Pere Marquette this weekend

MUSKEGON — One would think kiteboarders would be a little nuts for braving Lake Michigan in October.

Chronicle photo • Ken StevensA kiteboarder rises and falls on the Lake Michigan surf last October at Pere Marquette Park. No worries — most of them will get plenty of warmth from wetsuits. But spectators might want to wear layers and bring something hot to sip.Weather developments this week should make for interesting conditions for the 9th annual Great Lakes Kiteboarding Competition.

Compared to last year, riders will likely welcome the fall gales.

“Last year, we had zero wind. You can’t control the weather,” said MacKite owner Steve Negen. The Grand Haven kite shop hosts the competition each year. “We just went paddleboarding, it was still fun.”

The event is meant to showcase expert riders from across the country who, at times, can catch up to 20 feet of air off the water.

When the event began nearly a decade ago, there were only a handful of enthusiasts. It has grown through word of mouth, and now Negen expects 30-40 people competing — and “easily 100 kiteboarders,” he said.

New this year is course racing, where 10-20 kites will race tightly around a water course at 30 mph amid the choppy October waters of Lake Michigan.

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• What: 9th annual King of the Great Lakes Kiteboarding Competition.

• When: Starts 10 a.m. Friday through Sunday.

• Where: Pere Marquette Beach in Muskegon.

• Admission: There is no charge to watch. Fees for non-competing kiteboarders: $35; competitors, $40.

• Note: This is a sport that relies heavily on weather conditions. Rescheduling of events will occur if necessary.

A couple years ago, Negen moved the competition from Grand Haven to Muskegon because, apparently, Muskegon gets better wind. This year, the show will be along the pier, making for an excellent bird’s-eye view for spectators. “It’s a better venue by the pier,” said Negen. “If there’s wind, you will see lots of kites in the water. For people who have never seen it, they are absolutely amazed every time.”

Royalty will also be in the midst, as the King and Queen of the Great Lakes will be crowned for their freestyling. Each competitor will be judged in four- to six-person heats, pulling out their most difficult tricks.